Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010

Today in the News Media

Today in the News Media is a synopsis of some of the most prominent coverage of OSU people and programs. Inclusion of any item constitutes neither an endorsement nor a critique, but rather is intended only to make the OSU community aware of significant items in the media.

“In some areas of the country, a typical summer day can have four times as much water vapor as a typical winter day — a difference that exists both indoors and outdoors,” Jeffrey Shaman, an Oregon State University atmospheric scientist and lead author of the new study, said in a news release from the Public Library of Science. (See also US News & World Report and LA Times)

Robert Yeats, an international earthquake expert and professor emeritus of geosciences at OSU, was interviewed by the United Nations Radio network about his forecast last month of potential disaster in Haiti if an earthquake were to strike on the fault near Port au Prince.

“We’re hypothesizing – we’re speculating – that this is possibly a way in which these animals might be gaining greater foraging efficiency together,” said Bruce Mate, director of the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University. Mate presented the information Monday at the American Geophysical Union’s annual ocean sciences meeting. (See also Oregonian)

Organic certifier Oregon Tilth has agreed to provide funding to Oregon State University’s small-farms program so that the university can continue its research and educational efforts for organic farmers.

Upcoming events

NEW! David Mas Masumoto, a third generation Japanese American artist farmer, will speak at OSU Friday, Feb. 26. He’ll have an informal presentation from 3 to 4 p.m., in ALS 2001. He will give a formal talk at 7 p.m. in the LaSells Stewart Center. The event is a precursor to the Oregon State University Extension Service’s 10th annual Oregon Small Farms Conference on Feb. 27 in Corvallis. For more information see http://beginningfarmers.org/oregon-small-farms-conference-february-27th-in-corvalis/

NEW! Difficult Dialogues: Minority Voices and Ways of Knowing in Higher Education is a talk by Libby Roderick, who directs a special program on Alaska Native Ways of Teaching and Learning. She will speak at noon Feb. 26, in MU 208. This is a brown bag session.

NEW! A fundraiser for former women’s cross country and track volunteer assistant coach Johanna Olson will be held on Sunday, Feb. 28, hosted by Strands. All proceeds will go to Olson to help offset her medical costs. Strands is sponsoring two races. The Tiny Tumor is approximately 3.5 miles, while the Big Tumor is approximately seven miles. The shorter race will begin at 9 a.m., while the longer race will kick off at 9:10 a.m. at Midge Cramer Trail, located just south of the Benton County Fairgrounds. For more information on Johanna, visit http://savejohannasbrain.com. And for more information on the race, visit http://www.strands.com/events/tumorshooter. The cost is $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the race. The registration fee includes a free training plan, free online training log and free tech shirt. Following the races, there will be raffle giveaways and snacks and beverages.

The OSU Socratic Club will sponsor a free public dialogue, “Two Philosophers Debate the Existence of God,” on March 1, at 7 p.m. in the LaSells Stewart Center. William Lane Craig will argue for the Christian view that a personal God exists and Victor J. Stenger the atheist position that there is no God. For more information visit http://oregonstate.edu/groups/socratic/index.html

Monday, March 8, former Center Research Fellows Adam Rome and Robin Schultze will return to the Center for the Humanities, 811 S.W. Jefferson Ave., for two presentations. At noon Schultze will lead a discussion on “The Future of the Book? Testing the Sony Electronic Reader at Penn State.” At 4 p.m. Rome will speak on, “The Genius of Earth Day,” as part of the Center’s regular Monday lecture series. Schultze and Rome were in residence at the Center in 2005-06. Both are on The Pennsylvania State University faculty.

Steve Lewis, one of Alaska’s foremost cavers, will speak at 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26 about his experiences measuring and mapping caves in southeast Alaska. The free talk is in room 108 of Wilkinson Hall. Free and open to all.

Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society and the OSU’s Women Center are hosting a Women’s Symposium on Careers in Political Leadership on Thursday, March 4, from 7-9 p.m. in the Memorial Union ballroom. Speakers will include Rep. Sara Gelser, Caroline Davidson from Willamette University, state senator Chris Telfer, Diana Woodward of Brenco Energy Concepts and Margaret Carter of the Oregon Department of Human Services. Information: email smiths2@onid.orst.edu or lopezcay@onid.orst.edu

Timothy Brook, a professor of history at the University of British Columbia, will link the artwork of Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer with globalization when he presents a free public lecture on Thursday, March 4. “The Coins on Vermeer’s Table: Dutch Merchants, Chinese Manufacturers, and the Birth of Global Trade” begins at 7 p.m. in the Construction & Engineering Auditorium of LaSells Stewart Center.

In collaboration with the Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center, the OSU Black Student Union and the UJIMA Education Office, the UHDS Dining Services Staff and members of the UHDS Diversity Initiative would like to invite you to attend Soul Food Café: a journey through culture and cuisine to help celebrate Black History Month and as continuation of the journey through culture and cuisine series. The event takes place from 5 to 8 p.m., Feb. 24 in the McNary Dining Center. Cost is $8 at the door.

Everyone is invited to the first Spring Creek Café, a new series of engaged philosophy conversations. “Do we have any obligations to the future?” with philosophers Michael Nelson and Kathleen Dean Moore, singer/songwriter Libby Roderick and writer Brian Doyle
Feb. 25, 7 p.m., Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, Main Meeting Room. Free and open to all.

The Department of History will have a History Career Fair on Feb. 25, Stag 132 from 5 to 7 p.m., in conjunction with a cans for books drive. Every two cans can be traded for a book.

News for Employees

NEW! We are asking again for nominations for the Lewis Leadership Award, designated for Facilities Services (FS) employees who have demonstrated leadership qualities in their work at OSU. The award process was developed by a grass roots FS committee to recognize an employee whom embodies the spirit of “leadership at every level”. This could have been exhibited by a single event, or by sustained performance. The award is presented to the employee at FS’s All-Hands Meetings. The employee receives a cash award as well as other kudos. Nominations must be received by March 8. Please open the link to submit a nomination for the Lewis Leadership Award.

NEW! The Baccalaureate Core Ad Hoc Review Committee has drafted a proposal for revisions to the Baccalaureate Core. As announced at the February 2010 meeting of the Faculty Senate, the proposal is available in its entirety at the Faculty Senate website at:http://oregonstate.edu/senate/committees/other/bcr/reports/index.html. Opportunities for public discussion within colleges and in campus-wide groups will be ongoing through a comment period ending April 9. Please watch for these sessions and come prepared to share your ideas and suggestions regarding the proposal. After the comment period, the committee will refine the proposal and present it for discussion at the May 2010 meeting of the Faculty Senate. A vote is anticipated at the June 2010 meeting. Individuals are also invited to provide written comments and feedback via the comments form at: https://secure.oregonstate.edu/facultysenate/committees/ec/2010_bcr_comments/comment.php.

The Provost has scheduled a series of forums to discuss the University’s divisional alignment, including the Division of Arts and Sciences Forum scheduled for February 25, 1-3 p.m. This forum was originally scheduled to take place in MU 208, but has been moved to the MU Journey Room (with MU 208 as an overflow space if needed). The forum will focus on how the Colleges of Education, Liberal Arts, and Science are moving forward together to advance the divisional alignment, and is open to all students, staff and faculty at the University. The forum will be streamed live and will be accessible on the web at http://oregonstate.edu/is/mediaservices/channel-1. On the day of the event, the chat feature will be activated on the same web page, and participants in the chat room will be able to log in (no password required) to submit questions. Previous forums were recorded and are available at http://oregonstate.edu/media/collections/. A complete list of all forums is available at http://oregonstate.edu/leadership/budget/division-forums-01-26-10.html. Questions regarding the forums may be emailed to Gigi.Bruce@oregonstate.edu.

The Affirmative Action Search Advocate (AASA) assists committees in recognizing the potential for specific biases and actively promotes diversity at each stage of the search process. President Ray has charged the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity with development and implementation of a search advocacy program to ensure accountability to Oregon State University’s equal opportunity principles, affirmative action practices, and diversity values. Individuals interested in serving in this role are invited to attend a two-part seminar addressing the specific affirmative action concerns that arise at each stage of the search process. Both Part I and Part II must be completed in order to serve as an AASA on a university committee.
Part I of the Affirmative Action Search Advocate program introduces potential biases and opportunities and opportunities to promote diversity at each stage of the search process.
Wednesday, March 10: 1:30-4:30 p.m. or Tuesday, April 20: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Registration: http://oregonstate.edu/training/course_view.php?crse_id=142
Part II of the Affirmative Action Search Advocate program further explores potential biases and opportunities and opportunities to promote diversity at each stage of the search process.
Wednesday, March 17: 1:30-4:30 p.m. or Tuesday, April 27: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Registration: http://oregonstate.edu/training/course_view.php?crse_id=143
Information: contact the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity at 737-3556.

A group of OSU employees have started Kids Creative Movement, preschooler’s and toddler’s creative movement and dance classes. Classes are held through Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays through March 19. Open to children 3-5 years old. Held at the Corvallis Dance Center, 1935 NW Circle. Questions/register: Call 541-231-5001 or email marthalgs@comcast.net

Share a unique and exciting cultural exchange opportunity with an international student by becoming a Host for the OSU Homestay Program managed by University Housing & Dining Services (UHDS). As a host, you will be providing an amazing living- learning op­portunity both for the students and for your household. Hosts are provided compensation to cover expenses. We are currently seeking short term and long term hosts. There will be an informational orientation on March 13 at 10 a.m. in the Large East Conference Room at Market Place West Dining Center on Campus. For more information, please visit our web site: http://oregonstate.edu/uhds/homestay/ or call 541-737-8754.

Office of Business Services is seeking a Surplus Property Manager. F/T Salary range $35,000-$42,000 + benefits. Manages the acquisition and disposition of surplus property. For more details and application instructions, go to http://oregonstate.edu/jobs. Posting # 0005297 Closing date: March 3. OSU is an AA/EOE.

Finance and Administration is recruiting for a full-time Finance and Accounting Manager for the Central Services Business Center. The position is a full-time,12 month, professional faculty appointment. Salary $65-75K plus competitive benefits. This is an Internal Search, and is open to current, regular status OSU and OUS employees ONLY. For the complete announcement and application, please go to: http://oregonstate.edu/jobs. Posting # 0005269. Closes today. OSU is AA/EOE.

The AquaFish Collaborative Research Support Program, College of Agricultural Sciences, at Oregon State
University seeks to hire a full-time Office Specialist 2. To review position description, qualifications, and apply go to: http://oregonstate.edu/jobs Posting 0005275. Closing date is Feb. 28. OSU is an AA/EOE

Management Analyst 1– Office of Business Affairs, Oregon State University, F/T, $2484-3566/monthly + benefits. To review posting and apply, go to http://oregonstate.edu/jobs. The posting number is 0005262. Closing Date: Feb.25. OSU is an AA/EOE.

The Oregon State University Foundation has an open for an OSU student to provide administrative support to the Director of Donor Relations & Special Events. Interested candidates are required to submit two writing samples with their application and resume. To review a complete job description and instructions on how to apply go to OSU Foundation website at http://osufoundation.org/employment.

INTO Oregon State University is searching for a Director of Studies. The Director of Studies provides leadership to all academic personnel within the INTO OSU Center and works to maintain the academic and financial health of the academic and intensive English programs. The Director of Studies will have overall operational responsibility for the management and development of teaching programs, academic managers and related resource within the Center. Visit https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/Welcome_css.jsp, job posting number 0005129.

The Oregon State University Foundation is seeking an experienced fundraiser for the position of Director of Development for the College of Engineering. To review a full job description, qualifications and requirements, and instructions on how to apply go to http://osufoundation.org/employment/ This position will remain open until filled.

The Oregon State University Foundation is seeking an experienced fundraiser for the position of Director of Development,Linus Pauling Institute. To review a full job description, qualifications and requirements, and instructions on how to apply, go to http://osufoundation.org/employment/ This position will remain open until filled.

The Oregon State University Foundation is seeking an Executive Director of the Oregon 4-H Foundation and Director of Development to work in collaboration with the assigned development team and OSU leadership. To review a full job description, qualifications and requirements, and instructions on how to apply, go to http://osufoundation.org/employment/ This position will remain open until filled.

Extension Program Leader: Oregon Sea Grant invites applications for the position of Extended Program Leader. This is a full-time, 12-month, fixed term position For more details and application instructions, go to http://oregonstate.edu/jobs. Posting #0005107. Closing date is Feb. 28. OSU is an AA/EOE

Traffic and maintenance

Goss Stadium: Due to the installation of supplemental bleachers a section in the south west corner of the Goss Stadium parking lot will be temporarily shut down. This area is to be free of all vehicles. This shutdown should end by 5 p.m. today.

Heat Plant: Due to the investigation of an underground storage tank, the parking lot on the east of the Heat Plant will be temporarily shut down and is to be free of all vehicles. The shutdown should end by 5:30 p.m. today.

Weather

Corvallis: Ever-cheerful, even the incoming rain can’t dampen the enthusiasm of this season’s daffodils. The English poet Wordsworth was inspired by their elegance when he observed a long row of them, “Continuous as the stars that shine and twinkle on the Milky Way, they stretch’d in never-ending line along the margin of a bay.” Today will be showery with a high of 50 and an overnight low of 41. Showers are likely tomorrow.

and introducing a new addition to the weather report, from student writer Sean Barton at OSU-Cascades Campus:

Central Oregon: With a 60 percent chance of rain and possibly even snow, and a high at 39 degrees, layer up your orange and black today for that trip from your car to toasty Cascades Hall. Fortunately, temps won’t drop much below 32. Stay focused, too, because the rain and/or snow that’s expected before 10 a.m. on Wednesday shouldn’t prevent you from getting to work in the morning.